Thrillist Threw A Booze-Fueled Weekend At A Hot New Chicago Hotel

This past weekend, hot-startup Thrillist, a city guide and media company for men, invited us out to Chicago for their annual "Hotel Thrillist" event. And there was a lot of rum involved—in fact for 36 hours, it was all you could really drink besides water, thanks to Bacardi's sponsorship of the event (Axe and Doritos were also sponsors).

This year's event was held at the new Radisson Blu Hotel in Chicago, which opened in November. The 81-story hotel, which looks like a wave rippling in the air, is a cool addition to the city's already-storied skyline.

The Thrillist events team hosted a weekend bash that involved former Top Chef contestants who mixed Bacardi rum drinks and tons of partying.

Thrillist CEO Ben Lerer, about 20 percent of the Thrillist team (the startup employees about 215 people), some of the Jack Threads guys, a handful of Chicago residents, and some sweepstakes winners partied the weekend away. It honestly felt like a big, weekend-long Thrillist company party (and we know they love to rage--check out these pics from the company's recent summer picnic).

Friday night started with The Wayback Ball, a Great Gatsby themed bash, that had everyone looking dapper. Then, of course, there was an after party.

Saturday, the Thrillist team took us to the beach (yes, right in the Windy City!) where there was more rum, fake tattoos, a DJ, and Top Chef contestant Dale Levitski. Jack Threads' first private label, Goodale, also premiered its new summer line.

Saturday night there was an After-Dark dance party with half-naked dancing women (surprise! More rum was served), followed by an after party at a rather shady Chicago dive bar.

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Friday night at the Radisson Blu, Thrillist hosted The Wayback Ball. Everyone dressed up in Great Gatsby-themed garb.

Caroline Dixey

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A flash mob broke out on the dance floor to sounds of Sons Of Susan.

Caroline Dixey

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Sons of Susan played appropriately themed music for the bash.

Caroline Dixey

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Guests could roll their own cigars.

Caroline Dixey

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The Thrillist team poses for a photo in the Wayback photo booth.

Caroline Dixey

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Here we are with Thrillist director of communications Devon Giddon (right).

Caroline Dixey

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Guests took advantage of the fun props during the photo shoots.

Caroline Dixey

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Top Chef Alum Grayson Schmitz created a Watermelon Bacardi Lemonade especially for the event.

Caroline Dixey

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Food from Bar Toma, Filini Bar & Restaurant, Maison Brasserie, Markethouse, Untitled, and the Storefront Company was served at the event.